Global CIO: Cloud Computing's New Name: 500 Reader Suggestions!

The CEOs of HP and IBM say "cloud computing" is a lousy name, so we asked you to come up with a new term--and your 500 responses tell us a lot about ourselves.

You folks are the greatest audience in the world, and while you never disappoint when we ask for your ideas and input, you've really outdone yourselves this time! Noting that the CEOs of the two largest IT companies in the world--Mark Hurd of HP and Sam Palmisano of IBM--have both recently said they think "cloud computing" is a lousy name, we asked for your help in coming up with the best possible replacement.

I like to think that our offer of $100,000,000.00 for the best name had nothing to do with the outpouring of ideas and energy and contributions from all of you--and heck, even if I didn't think that, it would be too bad anyway because my colleague Rob Preston, whom I selflessly volunteered to donate the prize money so he could gain everlasting gratitude from all of us, has informed me that all of his discretionary cash is untouchable right now as he's invested it with a big-shot money guy in New York named Madoff.

After reading every entry and replying to as many of you as possible, I am humbled by your generosity and creativity, and by your willingness to engage in an exercise that's a little bit whimsical but that also reveals a great deal about our current perspectives, outlooks, and aspirations. Your list is wildly diverse, often humorous, and always compelling.

While I love all of your entries, I have to say that a few of my favorites are Cloud 9, Univac, the Matrix, and Rain. But with more than 500 nominations in this list, you'll be sure to find your own favorites--enjoy the list you've created, open your brains to your peers' suggestions, and as soon as Preston can get this Madoff whatsisname to release some walking-around money, we'll resume the contest and dish out some cold, hard cash.

So it is with great pleasure that we share your ideas for cloud computing's new name, listed in chronological order. Thanks again to everyone!

*Offsite Scalable Computing (OSC), from Stuart, who says, "CEOs and CIOs will like this term because it conveys a sense of a managed, dynamic, computing environment. IT users can easily relate to the term."
*HAN Hosted Area Network or Hosted Anywhere Network, from Chris

Software as a service is the clear No. 1 way enterprises consume cloud. InformationWeek's SaaS Innovation Survey reveals three tips to get the most from SaaS: Make it a popularity contest. Have an escape plan. And remember that identity is the new perimeter.